Temps moderate late this week into the 50s once again. A slow moving low pressure system crawls through Iowa. Scattered showers develop Thursday. Steadier soaking rains cover southern Minnesota Friday. A few showers linger into Saturday.

NOAA GFS, via tropical tidbits

Late March soaker

Yes, this probably should be snow in Minnesota in late March. Not this year. Though some wet snow may develop on the northern fringes, this system looks to produce mostly rain. We’ll probably see some 1 inch-plus totals across southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities by Saturday.

Our spring warm-up looks like a slow process this year. But the weather maps do show signs of easing some milder air in here once again by Sunday and Monday; 60 may be a bit optimistic by Monday, but it should feel considerably milder out there.

Custom Weather

Brighter days

The undeniable fact this time of year? It can’t stay cold much longer. The sun’s rays are now equal to Sept. 20. The sun climbs ever so slightly higher in the sky with each passing day. Daylight continues to grow at about three minutes a day. We are now entering the brightest six months of the year in Minnesota.

About the blogger

Paul Huttner is chief meteorologist for Minnesota Public Radio. Huttner has worked TV and radio stations in Minneapolis, Tucson and Chicago. Paul is a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul and holds a bachelor’s degree in geography with an emphasis in meteorology.